Exclusive: Pontiac Concepts

GM lifts the veil off 2003 and 2004 product

While the performance world begins to weep over the imminent retirement of the Firebird, Pontiac has set out to prove the pulse still beats strong within GM's excitement division. Last year, Pontiac presented versatile, rally-inspired vehicles on the show circuit, such as the sporty REV, fanciful Piranha, and now-production Vibe. This year, Pontiac has been focused on displaying more traditional, mainstream vehicles, offering a look at cars to come in 2003, 2004, and even beyond.Clear themes were established at the Chicago Auto Show that will become the foundation for future Pontiac product: performance will place greater emphasis on handling and dramatic, ribbed cladding will be replaced by smooth, sleek sheetmetal. The Bonneville G/XP and Grand Prix G-Force concepts demonstrated these new mission imperatives in the Windy City, while also hinting at future design and performance.Given a SEMA-style makeover, the Bonneville G/XP features clean-shaven body, toned-down front fascia, and a full round of performance enhancements. More than just showcasing a freshened future appearance, the G/XP represents a potential sport model to top the Bonneville range. The Chicago concept achieved 270 horsepower through a combination K&N air intake, Corsa Performance cat-back exhaust, and increased supercharger boost. Package the more potent powertrain with a lower ride height, 19-inch wheels, cross-drilled brakes, subtle styling mods, and a few interior tweaks, the G/XP makes a significant step beyond the SSEi.